Greetings from Robert Cox

Dear BCM Alumni, Friends, and Industry Partners:

Welcome to the Spring 2013 Hard Hat Newsletter! As we prepare ourselves for an improved construction season with the stock markets showing rapid rises we are taking a few minutes of your precious time to share several updates on BCM activities and accomplishments since the Fall newsletter.

First, I must share some bittersweet news. In the midst of my seventh year as the department head, I have been appointed the associate dean for globalization and engagement for the College of Technology. This full-time associate dean position requires me to relinquish my department head role in BCM.

Fortunately, BCM has the opportunity to rely on Zarjon Baha to step in as the interim head as we immediately begin a search for our next department head. Zarjon’s leadership will be strongly supported by Brad Benhart, who remains as the assistant department head, and Mark Shaurette, who remains as the graduate program coordinator.

Our BCM faculty and staff have been very gracious to me and have shown wonderful support for the department during this transition and anticipated future leadership changes. I am committed to construction management education and look forward to my continuing role as a member of the BCM program, among the most respected programs the world. Let me use this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to the BCM faculty, staff, students, alumni and industry partners who have made an impact on my life since my arrival to Purdue. I look forward to “making the world smaller” for everyone in my new role in the College of Technology.

Robert F. Cox, Ph.D.